Pompey fans surveyed: We need at least five more players

Neil Allen

Pompey fans believe Paul Cook needs at least five more signings to establish Pompey as a League Two force.

That is among the findings of the latest part of our Great Pompey Survey.

A total of 489 people chose to contribute to this week’s subject – Paul Cook – and the results revealed some interesting opinions.

It seems 56.2 per cent of those questioned think the new Blues boss has to sign a minimum of five more players.

That is in addition to last month’s recruitment of Kyle Bennett and Kal Naismith to the Fratton ranks.

In the same category, 38.9 per cent believe between four and five signings were necessary – with one person plumping for between none and one.

Certainly those taking part were happy with the quality of the signings so far, with 98.9 per cent stressing their satisfaction.

In addition, 66.3 per cent believe it is important fresh recruits live in the area, while 23 per cent saw such a stipulation as crucial. It is a policy Cook strongly believes in and continues to remain a key part of his player negotiations.

Of those already in the Blues squad, Matt Tubbs was regarded by those who took part as most important to Cook’s plans.

The striker bagged 44.7 per cent of the vote, with fit-again Paul Robinson in second place with 30.2 per cent.

Summer recruit Bennett (8.8 per cent) also featured heavily, while two people voted for Danny Hollands as the key performer.

In terms of those players whose contracts were not extended this summer, Wes Fogden (39.1 per cent) was the player fans would have liked to have stayed.

He was followed by Ryan Taylor (27 per cent), who was swiftly snapped up by League Two rivals Oxford United.

However, 18.5 per cent of those polled agreed with the decision to not offer fresh deals to any of them.

At the other end of the scale, Ben Chorley received one vote in support of staying put at Fratton Park, while Nicky Shorey collected three.

Focusing on Cook’s backroom team, there are still some vacancies to fill following the summer exit of four staff.

Although, the majority of those surveyed don’t believe that department requires any strengthening (50.1 per cent).

Supporters did, however, agree with the departure of Andy Awford’s assistant Gary Waddock.

A return of 74.2 per cent felt it was correct the ex-Wycombe Wanderers boss was not retained at Fratton Park.

On the flip side, 74.2 per cent wish to see former first-team coach Paul Hardyman given another job at Pompey.

The long-serving Hardyman is currently awaiting news on whether such an outcome is possible.

Finally, 93.6 per cent voted to keep the reserves at Pompey.

The Blues last season finished second in the Final Third Development League.